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Disclaimer: I own both the Xbox 360 and PS3, and don't consider having a bias either way. This review is meant to educate potential buyers about the pros and cons of owning a PS3, and I will try to be as objective as I can - however, there is always some form of subjectiveness when it comes to writing a review...
If you are interested in buying a gaming console, then the ps3 might be for you! There are many things to consider though, like price, video games, graphics, and even the interface. Since I own the 160gb Uncharted PS3 - that is what I will be reviewing. I will be talking about how it compares to the Xbox 360, its performance, it's exclusives, it's interface, and it's apearance (again, i'm reviewing the 160gb "fat" ps3).
In my opinion, the ps3 looks great! The black with chrome touches, surprisingly work well together! Even though i'm not a big fan of gloss (it's a dust and smudge magnet), it just looks good on the ps3! The new slim design looks much worse in comparison. In terms of size though, it's a whole different story... It is gargantuan, hence why it's nicknamed the ps3 fat - the size isn't much of an issue anymore because of the ps3 slim, but I thought I would still bring it up. I also like the fact that you can easily swap out the PS3's hard drive for any other sata drive, unlike the Xbox 360, which uses a proprietary hard drive. On that note, I want to switch over to performance.
The PS3's graphical capabilities are astounding. In my personal experience, I have never had a game crash or freeze. The PS3 uses a special cpu called the cell engine, which is superior to the xbox's cpu. However it's gpu is weaker than the Xbox's, which pretty much evens them out. The true test of the system's
performance is it's games which is what I will be talking about next.
The PS3's game library has, over the coarse of it's lifespan matured and developed. There definitely is'nt a shortage of good games! The biggest problem with multiplatform games is that they tend to be developed on the Xbox 360 then ported over to the PS3. That usually makes them a little worse graphically. However, the PS3 makes up for that with it's exlusives. Sony has a lot of 1st and 2nd party game development studios, and as a result, there are more exclusive games on the PS3 than on the 360. Some really good examples are Uncharted 1 and 2, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, Infamous, Killzone 2 and 3, Little Big Planet 1 and 2, and Grand Turismo 5 - just to name a few...
Now, on to the guts of the system. I have already written about the cpu and gpu, so now I will talk about everything else! The ps3 has an HDMI port, an ethernet port, wifi capabilty, a standard av port, and even an optical cable port. The wifi is a little slow, but other than that everything is golden! Now on to the interface.
The PS3 employes a special UI called the XMB. It is very easy to navigate and is arguably better than the Xbox's UI. Everything is smooth and it's really easy to customize. The dynamic themes are just flat out awesome! My only 2 complaints are that the XMB you access in game is much slower, and that there is no cross game voice chat. How hard can it be to implement that!
That about covers everything... If you have read to the very end then you are awesome and do not have A.D.D ( American Dream Denial, erm, I mean, SYSTEM OF A DOWN!!! Sorry about that...). I would go further in depth but I can't because of the stupid as heck limit cap.Read full review

I think that anyone looking to play games and listen to music would be happy with this console. It's true that some features are removed from this type than in earlier models but it's a great system nontheless. The features missing have nothing to do with graphics or gameplay; all they did was remove some USB ports and such. I don't even notice the cutbacks. I haven't noticed to much of a difference in the PS2 playback either. I'm sure not all games will be compatiable but I haven't run across any as of yet. Bottom line, 160GB PS3's are cheaper than the older 80GB models. If your looking for a good console that will support the average gamer's needs, it's the right choice to make. I'm very happy with mine.

The Sony PS3 is truly an innovative gaming and socailizing console which is highly customizable and versatile. I purchased the item for the console specific titles that have and will release and found myself more than satisfied; Sony has made a gaming console that is really a media-based computer rather than just a game system. It offers internal WiFi and an internet browser and free online play and the use of bluetooth headsets, keyboards, and mice (possibly even cameras, I'm not sure), which means you can use your already purchased computer/phone related accessories for your console. You also have the choice to watch Blu-Ray discs or regular DVD's, you can create virtual ps1/ps2 memory cards on the internal memory card for all your old games, and a memory card adaptor is offered to move all your existing save files onto the harddrive. Really, for what until recently was the same price as the 120GB Elite 360, you get so much more for your money.
The 360 requires that you buy wireless headsets that are only compatible with the console, and that you spend an extra $100 just for the possibility of wireless capabilities. The reliability is also definitely worth the money; about 25% of all 360's encounter total system failure within two years, while only about 10% of ps3's fail within two years. The 360 also requires you to pay a monthly or annual fee for online play and does not offer any kind of internet browser to make your 360-based entertainment center quite as well-rounded.
I give you this review as an avid xBox 360 fan and user of the system for several years; my home will always be complimented with the presence of the original xBox and xBox 360, as well as the ps2 and now ps3. I really do love the 360, but for financially-conscious consumers the Playstation 3 is the obvious choice for your home entertainment center and gaming needs due to its numerous features not offered by the 360 and the fact that most main brand games are released for both consoles.Read full review

Most resellers of refurbished PS3s offers you for a comparable price of the one I purchased, the package with the original size HDD. The model I bought, certainly, is an old 160GB model with double the size of HDD. The seller, tecmia online, also has the old 80GB configuration with a 500GB beast installed. If you like more disk space on your PS3 without the hassle of buying the device and install it, preset configurations are a very good option.
On the performance side, it does as stated by the seller. Since the original 160GB model comes with 4 USB ports and the Memory card slots, My choice was the refurbished PS3 with 320GB. And more disk space means more games installed without worrying about space limitations. The package arrived at my home on a very well protected box. Everything's in excellent condition and label separately on resealable plastic bags.
If you want a PS3, be sure visit eBay. You will find better options like this one, and for a better price for your pocket. Try it NOW!Read full review

This is the dumbed-down version of the PS3. While it isn't the cheapest unit ever produced (40gb version), it isn't hardly worth the full retail price, assuming you use it for dedicated game and movie playback. No card readers, only 2 USB ports (vs original 4), AND keep in mind that the price is expected to drop in April 2009--so hold off on purchasing for now. This "combo" in particular is a giant waste of your money. It's cheaper to simply buy another PS3 and purchase the game separately (especially since its been on the market for a while). 160gb 2.5" laptop hard drives are cheap now ($20-$30)--and you WON'T need the space, unlike the Xbox360
Only the 60gb and 20gb versions came with the "Emotion Chip", which allowed nearly perfect PS2/PS1 hardware-based emulation. Only these originals featured chrome trim, and everything that's come since has had cheaper gray plastic.
Only the 80gb Motorstorm PS3s that have come since are capable of playing PS2 games, but it is software emulated, and will not universally play all games. ALL PS3 units are capable of playing the original PS1 games.
IF you are going to get a Playstation 3 and care about overall quality, invest a little more money in purchasing the 60gb version over ALL others--and invest the $40 in a squaretrade warranty.
NOTE: A PS3 price drop is expected in April of 2009--unless you want a 60/20gb PS3 for playback purposes, it is recommended that you hold off on your PS3 purchase until after this point in time.Read full review